08.25.08

Actually, ’tis not the Association’s patriotism that’s in question, but rather their sense of history. The Indiana Pacers are playing an exhibition against the Hornets on October 8 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds’ Pepsi Coliseum, a venue that hosted 3 ABA titles for the Pacers. Indy Cornrows reports the NBA has quashed the Pacers’ plans to play the October 8 game using the ABA’s beloved red, white and blue ball.

On Friday, I heard Mark Boyle scoff at the denial as an NFL-like decision, similar to the uniform or celebration rules the No Fun League imposes to pasteurize their players. Couldn’t agree more. The ball can be an NBA regulation ball with all the appropriate logos. I’m sure the Simons would be happy to pay to have them made. Heck, they could probably end up selling them after the fact and make a nice profit.

There is, however, a chance the NBA’s decision has more to do with copyright considerations than anything else. Hopefully we can find out for certain when and if the ABA’s website is running again.